Four Panthers named All-Pro

Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert was voted first-team All-Pro after rushing for 361 yards and five TDs in the regular season.

MONROE —

Four Carolina Panthers have been selected All-Pro by the Associated Press, matching the franchise record set in 1996.
Three are considered the best in the NFL at their positions this year. Fullback Mike Tolbert, middle linebacker Luke Kuechly and center Ryan Kalil were voted first-team All-Pro.
Carolina defensive end Greg Hardy was a second-team selection.
Tolbert is one of the most versatile running backs in the league. At 5-9 and 250 pounds, he's a powerful lead blocker.
He carries the ball more than most NFL fullbacks, lining up as the tailback at times. The 28-year-old Tolbert, who played at Coastal Carolina, has 101 carries for 361 yards and five touchdowns this season.
Tolbert, Kuechly and Hardy are All-Pros for the first time, while Kalil (6-2, 300) is a two-time selection; he made second-team All-Pro in 2011.
The Panthers drafted Kalil 59th overall in 2007 out of Southern Cal and he turned out to be a steal.
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, the 28-year-old Kalil became the highest-paid center in the NFL when he signed a six-year contract worth $49 million in 2011.
Kuechly has taken the league by storm as well since the Panthers drafted him ninth overall in 2012. Just 22 years old, Kuechly has 320 tackles in his first 32 NFL games — the most of any player in the league during that stretch.
Kuechly led the NFL in tackles as a rookie with 164, and has followed it up with 156 tackles this season.
The NFC South champions have a highly-regarded defense that helped them go 12-4 and earn a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Carolina will play at home in the second round next Sunday.
Hardy, in his fourth year, had seven of his 15 sacks in the final two games of the regular season.
The 28-year-old Hardy (6-4, 290) has the size and athleticism to wreak havoc from any position on the defensive line. He sometimes slides from end to tackle to give the Panthers more speed on passing downs.
A sixth round pick in 2010 who is playing for $1.25 million this season, Hardy is expected to hit a big payday in the offseason.

Most Popular

North Carolina is having trouble retaining its film industry. Many television shows and movies are choosing to film in neighboring states that offer better incentives.
Should the General Assembly restore the film incentive program?